Sri Lanka will be hosting the Indian deaf cricket team for a four match cricket series which is scheduled to be held from January 29 to February 2 at the Surrey Village cricket ground Maggona.
Sri Lanka team became the winners of the first T-20 Deaf Cricket ICC World Cup 2018 in India and is once again ready to face India in this four match series.
A keen tussle is expected and the series once again is sponsored by HNB Assurance who were also the Sri Lanka team’s main sponsor. Sri Lanka defeated India by 36 runs at the last T-20 World Cup final.
The Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Association (SLDCA) was founded in 1995 by active parents of deaf children.
The SLDCA’s efforts have born fruit since year 2000 as its players started playing Division Three tournaments conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket against able players.
The exposure has enhanced the morale, commitment and enthusiasm of deaf cricketers from all parts of Sri Lanka.
Gimadu Malcolm was the captain and was adjudged man of the final at the World Cup.
The President of the National Deaf Cricket Association Anula Ranjani pointed out that the players lack facilities but their dedication is high.
ri Lanka deaf cricket squad for the India series:
Gamidu Malcolm (Captain, Galle), Tharaka Sampath (Galle), GS Walgama (WK, Galle) Janaka Tharanga (Galle), A.Kalep (Jaffna), K.Thirukumaran (Jaffna,) Dushmantha Palansooriya (Gampaha,) Sachin Makaranda Perera (Gampaha), Rajitha Asanka (Hambantota), E.Ravishwa Madaka (Hambantota), Ushan Lakshitha (Hambantota), Sumudu Lanka (Colombo), Lakshan Fernando (Colombo), Asanka Manjula (Matara), AP Dinuka Sachin (Matara), Nadun Sameera (Matara), Sandaruwa Maduranga (Matara), Udaya Lakmal (Matara,) Jayalath Aponso (head coach) Ushantha Gunaratne (Coach)